It had all but destroyed me walking away from Cleo. I knew that had been the perfect opportunity to make my choice. And the thing that terrified me more than anything was that everything Kai had said resonated with me. I hated to admit that perhaps he was right. I have allowed my parents to affect so many aspects of my life growing up. The pain of their absence was far too great, but I had to try so hard to hide that from my grandparents. I never wanted them to know I suffered because of it. I knew they struggled enough after losing my Dad. They did so much for me, and gave me all that I needed, and wanted… likely too much at times… and I know I took advantage of that at times… and it was all to make up for the fact my parents had not been around. Guilt was a terrible thing. But, deep